Desert Ridge 6'5 200-pound Edge Rusher Lance Holtzclaw will be one to look out for in this Class of 2022 recruiting cycle. Large frame and still growing. Fits that mold of long, athletic edge rushers that this ASU staff is heavily recruiting, especially if he grows some more this year. Could easily pack on 20 pounds in a couple years too. Has received three offers in three days, latest coming from UA about 40 minutes ago. Still a bit raw at the position but should be a mid three-star whenever Gorney gets to him, but has potential to become a high 3-star because of his tremendous athleticism + Some great Senior film.
Rivals Analyst Alec Simpson and I broke down his tape a few weeks ago for a 2022 Eval article
At 6-5 200 pounds Holtzclaw moves very well for a guy his size. He played defensive end and WR in high school For Desert Ridge, but translates best as a edge rush DE/OLB. Two plays into his highlight tape it was easy to diagnose that he moves like an Edge rush/OLB in a 3-4 system where he could potentially cover tight ends in man in a 9-tech concept. He could also play five yards off the ball as well and really be able to read run if needed. He has the athleticism, and just needs to learn the reads and concepts. He is a real fluid athlete and brings a firing burst off the line of scrimmage in his get off. I love his pursuit to the backfield in his pass rush and to continue to keep his motor high speaks volumes of his work ethic. He has a real wide frame to be able to add another 25-30 pounds and be a dominant force on the edge.
At 0:25 on his junior season tape, Holtzclaw is coming off the edge on the strong side of the field, he quickly bursts off the line of scrimmage in his pass rush, continued his bull rush with solid arm extension on the opposing lineman, and once the quarterback rolled out of the pocket Holtzclaw kept his motor high to sack the Cal QB commit Kai Milner for a loss. His ability to keep his pursuit to the backfield consistent while the quarterback flushes to the opposite side of the pocket is one of many reasons he’s a division 1 talent.
The ceiling for Holtzclaw is high and don’t be surprised when his offer list climbs this off-season.
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